IFC invests in UAE immersive media startup VUZ during a $12 million funding round to accelerate global expansion in AI-driven live streaming and spatial experiences. The move supports IFC’s digital inclusion goals as VUZ targets Saudi Arabia, Africa, US, and Asia markets.
Qualcomm and e& UAE partner to develop 5G edge AI gateways and Snapdragon-powered devices with integrated large language models, advancing digital transformation across UAE’s enterprise, industrial, and government sectors. The collaboration is supported by Qualcomm’s Abu Dhabi Engineering Center and complemented by e& UAE’s deployment of Ericsson’s dual-band Massive MIMO radio and 6G exploration.
Saudi Aramco and stc invest in US NaaS startup Graphiant, supporting its cloud-native enterprise networking platform. The deal reflects Middle Eastern giants’ push into advanced digital infrastructure and positions Graphiant to expand globally with strategic regional partnerships.
PPRA has trained over 10,000 professionals in e-procurement as part of Digital Pakistan, launching a new diploma program with NUST. The initiative enhances transparency and efficiency in public procurement, supported by widespread use of the e-PADS system and thousands of registered suppliers.
Mobile phone imports in Pakistan declined 14.21% during July-April 2025 to $1.254 billion. April imports fell 22.47% year-on-year. Meanwhile, overall exports grew 6.40%, and total imports increased 7.55%, reflecting broad economic demand despite the mobile sector slowdown.
Pakistan’s 5G auction is delayed by at least four months due to regulatory uncertainty over the Telenor-PTCL merger. The lack of clear policy directives and geopolitical tensions hinder progress, threatening the nation’s digital infrastructure ambitions and postponing the planned 5G launch originally scheduled for June 2025.
Ncell is the first Nepali operator to adopt GSMA’s Principles for Digital Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, pledging equitable access, inclusive services, and community engagement. The commitment complements existing initiatives such as data discounts and accessible infrastructure to empower disabled users in Nepal.
Nepal Telecom’s net profit declined 48.6% to Rs 2.84 billion in the first nine months of FY 2024/25 due to a 46% drop in interest income. Customer service revenue remained steady, but overall total revenue fell. EPS dropped to Rs 21.05 from Rs 41.
Nindohost, Morocco’s leading web hosting provider, is expanding into 13 African countries to offer cloud and cybersecurity solutions tailored to local markets. The move supports Africa’s digital transformation with multilingual support, flexible payments, and partnerships fostering local innovation and digital sovereignty.
Maroc Telecom proposes replacing its dual-board governance structure with a unified board of directors led by a president-director general. The June 18 shareholders meeting will decide on this shift, aimed at consolidating decision-making and management authority.
